A Swindon GP has said it is working hard to improve after being issued a warning for being unsafe to patients.

Phoenix Surgery, on Dunwich Drive, Toothill, was visited by the Care Quality Commission on December 1 and the report of that inspection was published in early February.

Each doctor’s surgery is measured in five categories, and while Phoenix Surgery was found to be ‘good’ in the ‘caring’ and ‘responsive’ categories, it was rated ‘requires improvement’ in the ‘safe’, ‘effective’ and ‘well-led’ categories.

But, this rating isn’t strictly a new rating as it is a continuation of the practice’s rating from an inspection in September 2022 where it was found to have breached Regulation 12: Safe care and treatment, and was issued a warning notice.

During the inspection last year, Phoenix Surgery, responsible for the care of over 4,000 patients, was found to have provided care in a way that was not always safe for patients and did not protect them from avoidable harm.

It was also discovered that patients with some long-term conditions and/or on high-risk medications were not reviewed and followed up as indicated in national guidance.

The way the practice was led and managed was also highlighted as not always promoting the delivery of high-quality, person-centred care.

However, the report also stated that staff dealt with patients with kindness and respect and involved them in decisions related to their care and that patients could access treatment in a timely manner.

The re-inspection in December did show that measures had been put in place by the surgery to improve things.

An action plan had been implemented which led to the practice making improvements to how it provided care in relation to high-risk medicines and long-term conditions, patients with long-term conditions were being contacted by the practice and improvements had been made to the practice’s safeguarding register.

On this occasion, there were no breaches of regulations found, but the CQC did advise that Phoenix continues to implement the action plan.

Kelly Haynes, assistant practice manager, addressed the initial failings, and the subsequent improvement.

She said: “Phoenix Surgery continuously strive to prioritise patients' care, long-term conditions, monitoring policies, and patient satisfaction as a priority on a daily basis.

“The practice Team has worked hard on addressing the concerns highlighted in the report alongside the ICB which has been recognised by the CQC in their follow-up remote visit.

“As a practice, we would like to ensure all our registered patients that their ongoing care is and will always be the practice’s priority. We are grateful for our patients' support.”